Information about DVT please

[Chickadee]

Does anyone know how long it might take for a DVT to go, or at least for the swelling to go down. It is in his lower abdomen if that helps.

I know it's a bit like asking how long is a bit of string but.......

Hubby has been moved to a horrible ward were the nurses seem a bit lackadasical and not only is it upsetting him but me as well.

Just wondered if anyone had any idea as they won't let him go home until swelling is down at least.
Thanks all

[bednobs]

i had an abdominal DVT over 2 years ago and my leg is still a bit swollen now. I was in hospital for about a week

[bednobs]

and i hope he feels better soon and is soon home

[Chickadee]

Thanks bednobs.

He went in thursday evening and his leg has actually got worse. It is about 3 times the size it should be.

I was coping really well until they moved him this afternoon to a horrid ward, Feel really helpless,

[boxtops]

what's the ward they have moved him to, chickadee - is it one specialising in circulatory problems?

[bednobs]

what sort of things are they doing that is upsetting for you and him? Is it something you could talk to the ward sister about? Or the patient advice and liaison service (PALS)

[woofgang]

Chickadee, if you are seriously unhappy with the ward then go talk to Pals (patient advice and liaison ) and express your concerns. You will need to be factual but it's worth doing if your DH is distressed by where he is.

[woofgang]

Bed knobs are you my evil twin?..

[Chickadee]

No it's a general medical ward. I know I shouldn't say it but it seem like all the really elderly dementia patients are in the ward. They are shouting and what have you and are taking all the nurses time.

I know they need care but perhaps a general ward isn't the best place.

He is seeing a vascular surgeon tomorrow to see if a filter would help. I believe the clot has travelled from his groin since thursday.

[bednobs]

it's really difficult because the nurses have no control over what patients are on the ward. I have been on lots of different wards both as a patient and a nurse, and to be honest you can get shouty outy patients anywhere

[woofgang]

They do tend to end up on the general medical wards and it's very difficult. It sounds like your man is getting good care though. It's hard for the nurses and I have seen them deliberately avoid going to then snooty folk and trying to help, I guess they get to the point where they give up a bit. If it really is troubling your husband though, do mention it and ask if anything can be done. I know from experience that senior management will respond to a reli "expression of concern" much more readily than they will to staff comments.

[woofgang]

Not snooty shouty, blooming spell checker

[Chickadee]

I agree totally with what you are saying bednobs. I have been in a few wards my
self as a patient and have had shouty patients.

But I don't think non shouty patients should be ignored over the shouty ones. If that makes sense!!

He got into ward at 7.10, told nurses he needed water because he is dehydrated and when I last spoke to him at 9.15 he was still waiting.

I know nurses are busy but a basic such as water?

[woofgang]

Well what I have done that works is to phone the ward desk and say that your husband has just phoned you to say that he can't get any water and he is supposed to drink xxx amount every hour and you are very worried.......

[woofgang]

Ps I am a nice person really but am totally happy to be the reli from he'll for my husband!!

[Chickadee]

Thanks guys.